Cuerda de Leña Wash Wilderness Proposal PRODUCED BY:

Transcription

1 Cuerda de Leña Wash Wilderness Proposal PRODUCED BY: September 2004

2 Copyright 2004 by Jason A. Williams, Arizona Wilderness Coalition All rights reserved No part of this thesis my be used, reproduced, stored, recorded, or transmitted in any form or manner whatsoever without written permission from the copyright holder or his agent(s), except in the case of use by any individual, educational institution, non-profit organization, or government agency for the purposes of conserving the land. Requests for any other reason should contact: Jason Williams Arizona Wilderness Coalition PO Box 2741 Prescott, AZ Or Don Hoffman Arizona Wilderness Coalition PO Box 529 Alpine, AZ Many thanks go to Prescott College students Scott Koch and Cacia McClain for their efforts in field inventory, GIS work, sensitive species research, and document production and editing. The Arizona Wilderness Coalition is an organization of groups and individuals working to protect and restore wilderness and other wildlands and waters in Arizona. For more information please visit our website or contact us through the information provided above

3 Cuerda de Leña Wash Unit Description Cuerda de Leña Wash is exactly that, a broad, sandy plain characterized by several washes. It is part of the Valley of the Ajo and has little topographic relief. It is located 4 miles south of Ajo, Arizona in Pima County directly east of Bates Well Road. There is a small chain of hills in the northern portion of the unit that rise about 200 feet above the surrounding valley. These hills provide diverse vegetation, such as creosote, and palo verde stands. Although small, these hills have a character of their own and create a mysterious and beautiful landscape. The palo verde stands also create a diverse microhabitat for an array of flora and fauna. Cuerda de Leña Wash also supports dense thickets of ironwood and mesquite. These thickets provide more cover and protection for flora and fauna species inhabiting the area. The creosote-bursage flats outside of the wash are critical habitat to the endangered Sonoran pronghorn and numerous unique reptile species. 1

4 Arizona Wilderness Coalition Arizona Wilderness Coalition 2

5 Size: 11,578 acres Wilderness Characteristics Naturalness The Cuerda de Leña Wash proposed wilderness generally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of man s work substantially unnoticeable as outlined in The Wilderness Act of The photographic documentation included within this report shows the natural condition from various vantage points within and outside the proposed unit. In past BLM inventories the natural character of the Cuerda de Leña Wash unit has been stated as, clearly and obviously not meeting wilderness criteria (USDI 1979). The initial BLM study unit was 10,460 acres. In recent citizen s inventories View to the north from inside the Cuerda de Leña Wash unit conducted by the Arizona Wilderness Coalition in 2003 some of the recreational ORV imprints have been reclaimed by the natural condition of the area. See photos: CL-1-8; CL-1-18; Cl The routes/roads that at one time led to the noticeable impacts are now substantially re-vegetated. 3

6 Outstanding Opportunities for Solitude or Primitive and Unconfined Recreation The Cuerda de Leña Wash proposed wilderness possesses both opportunities for solitude and primitive and unconfined recreation. The opportunities for both exist within most of the unit. The BLM s Wilderness Inventory and Study Procedures Handbook H section (b)(1) gives direction on the assessment of solitude in inventory units. In this section five features for evaluating solitude are given. a. Size and configuration: The unit meets the 5,000-acre size criteria, and it is not long and narrow and does not have irregular extensions or cherrystems. b. Topographic screening: Cuerda de Leña Wash and the other washes feeding into it provide an outstanding sense of solitude because they are deeply incised in many places. The gently rolling creosote flats surrounding the washes are deceiving to the visitor because one can easily lose sight of a vehicle by walking a couple hundred yards. There are also some rugged hills in the northern portion of this unit where the topography provides outstanding isolation and solitude from other visitors. c. Vegetative screening: On the hillsides just below the rugged hills the vegetative screening is exceptional with a diversity of vegetation ranging from stands of saguaro and palo verde to wide expanses of creosote. Near the washes the vegetative screening increases to stands of mesquite, ironwood, and palo verde and provides complete screening and outstanding opportunities for solitude from other visitors. Some places in the washes are extremely dense with vegetation, requiring the visitor to crawl to get through. d. Ability of user to find a secluded spot: seclusion in the many washes is not difficult as the vegetation is lush and dense. There are also basins and hilltops that provide outstanding opportunities for solitude because of their jagged and diverse topography. 4

7 e. Presence of outside sights and sounds: There are no outside sights or sounds that impact the opportunities for solitude or unconfined primitive recreation in this unit. Primitive and Unconfined Recreation The Cuerda de Leña Wash unit allows a variety of primitive and unconfined recreational activities. Cuerda de Leña Wash offers various levels of hiking, from flat walking in the washes and bajadas, to rock scrambling on the nearby hills and ridges. Backpacking, hunting, horseback riding, photography, bird watching, and sightseeing for geological, zoological, and especially botanical features are all possible primitive and unconfined recreational opportunities within the Cuerda de Leña Wash proposed wilderness. The uniqueness of this unit is increased by its flatness and the excellent spring wildflowers that can be viewed here. Supplemental Values and New Information Various supplemental values as described in section 2(c) of The Wilderness Act exist in the Cuerda de Leña Wash unit. The Arizona Wilderness Coalition believes that wilderness preservation is not only important for human needs, View to the south of Kino peak in Organ Pipe NM but for the conservation of species as well. The following section represents detailed information about the supplemental wilderness values of Special Status species in the proposed Cuerda de Leña Wash wilderness. All species described here are at risk and would be more adequately protected with wilderness designation. 5

8 cactus ferruginous pygmy owl Glaucidium brasillanum cactorum The cactus ferruginous pygmy owl is federally listed as endangered and is Species of Special Concern in Arizona. It is a species whose occurrence in Arizona is or may be in jeopardy, or with known or perceived threats or population declines, as described by the Arizona Game and Fish Department's listing of Wildlife of Special Concern in Arizona. The pygmy-owl has been found in palo verde cacti-mixed scrub associations of the Sonoran Desert, much like the vegetative community in Cuerda de Leña Wash. In central and southern Arizona, the pygmy-owl is currently found primarily in Sonoran Desert scrub vegetation with some locations in riparian drainages and semi-desert grassland vegetation communities. The cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl nests in cavities, primarily in saguaro cacti, but they will also use tree cavities if available. The presence of saguaro and multiple tree species is abundant in the unit providing habitat for many of these individuals. Pygmy-owls are found below 4,000 feet in elevation and the subspecies, G. b. cactorum, is geographically isolated into eastern and western populations. The western population extends from lowland central Arizona south through western Mexico. The pygmy owl is threatened by the destruction, modification, and curtailment of its habitat and range due to ORV use and other developmental impacts, possible competition with introduced bird species for food and nest sites, and potentially inbreeding due to increasingly fragmented and small isolated populations within the state. Because of these threats, is it crucial to the survival of this subspecies that the available habitat for this species in Cuerda de Leña Wash be protected as wilderness. Sonoran pronghorn Antilocapra americana sonoriensis The Sonoran pronghorn is federally listed as endangered and is wildlife of special concern in Arizona according to the AZGF HDMS listing. This species is a historic inhabitant of southwest Arizona. They require a variety of habitats for forage and migration. Some of these habitats include open creosote-bursage areas, allowing for expansive views to locate and escape predators. The Sonoran pronghorn populations are quickly decreasing due to habitat fragmentation and loss. Protection of any population in 6

9 the state is crucial to their survival. Habitat protection is the only way this species will not be extirpated from Arizona. The Cuerda de Leña Wash unit provides some of the best forage and fawning habitat for Sonoran pronghorn. Ajo mountain copper leaf Acalypha pringlei Although this species is not federally listed, the AZGF manages for its survival and protection. Conflicting Resource Issues 1. Minerals there are no active mines within the Cuerda de Leña Wash proposed Wilderness. 2. Off Road Vehicle use Many of the existing wildcat routes have been created by irresponsible Off Road Vehicle-users. Destruction of vegetative, geological, and scenic qualities of the Cuerda de Leña Wash unit occurs mostly around highly impacted Off Road Vehicle routes (see photos: CL-1-14, 15, 16). The occurrence of torn-up vegetation and erosion leading to topsoil loss from Off Road Vehicle use is highly destructive to this fragile desert ecosystem. Such actions are not appropriate anywhere. Off Road Vehicle use in this area is the number one impact to resource values such as Sonoran pronghorn and pygmy owl habitat. The evidence is so clear that it would not take a study to determine that the problem is the proliferation of illegal wildcat routes used for the sole purpose of recreational Off Road Vehicles. These uses are incompatible with the preservation and protection of the values of the study unit and therefore do not pose a valid resource conflict other than that they are rapidly destroying the wilderness character of the Cuerda de Leña Wash unit. 7

10 Historical Review: The Arizona BLM Wilderness Inventory ( ) The BLM s initial wilderness inventory was completed under the requirements of section 603 of the Federal Lands Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) of The BLM started an initial inventory of all public lands under their management in Arizona and sorted out all lands that clearly and obviously lacked wilderness characteristics. Through this process the Cuerda de Leña Wash (unit # 2-182) was chosen as an initial inventory area. In the Initial Inventory process started in 1978 the BLM reported in their, Wilderness Review, Arizona Initial Inventory of Public Lands Administered by Bureau of Land Management Decision Ajo lily Report September 1979, that "a few comments were received suggesting that the unit contain various outstanding wilderness characteristics and that the area be intensively inventoried" (USDI 1979). In the Wilderness Review, Arizona Initial Inventory of Public Lands Administered by BLM Proposal Report 1979, the BLM recommended the Cuerda de Leña Wash should not undergo further inventory (USDI 1979). The BLM proposed in this report that, This unit was originally proposed as clearly and obviously not meeting wilderness criteria. The rational behind this proposal was not questioned. We conclude that this unit will not be intensively inventoried, and is therefore dropped from further review. (USDI 1979) In this initial inventory, the BLM s explanation for dropping the unit from further study is unexplained and unspecific. The documentation of the comments received did not adequately describe the reasoning or the specific wilderness criteria that were not met. 8

11 The Arizona Wilderness Coalition has reviewed the historical material for the Cuerda de Leña Wash inventory unit and finds that the BLM s reasons for dropping this unit are severely lacking and inconsistent with the BLM s own recommendations. Desert wildflowers near Cuerda de Leña Wash The following information is part of the New Information criterion as explained in the BLM H handbook Section.06 (E)(b) and a detailed explanation of why past inventories are lacking. 1.) The BLM H handbook explains the direction given by the Wilderness Act in reference to outstanding opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined type of recreation. The word or in this sentence means that a proposed wilderness does not have to possess outstanding opportunities for both solitude and primitive recreation; it only has to possess one or the other. (USDI 2001 [H , Section.22(A)(1)(b), page 21]). The Initial Inventory made no reference to the possibilities for solitude or unconfined primitive recreation and excluded this from their explanation of dropping the unit from further study. 2.) There was no reference made to any wilderness precluding characteristics within the unit. Therefore, it is unknown whether or not the unit possesses these many characteristics other than those allowing for opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation and the unit must be re-inventoried. 3.) The BLM did not address the Supplemental Values of this study unit. The BLM is instructed to determine if the inventory unit contains ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, 9

12 scenic, or historical value (USDI 2001 [H , Section.13(4)(a). In conjunction with this instruction, the Wilderness Act states that the unit may also contain these supplemental values. The values in the Cuerda de Leña Wash unit primarily consist of species of special concern. The BLM did not take these federally listed species in its initial inventory. It is mandated in the Endangered Species Act that the habitat for these species be protected. The unit needs to be reevaluated for this reason as well as those listed in previous examples. 4.) The BLM handbook gives direction on evaluating solitude by explaining that consideration should be given to factors which influence a person's opportunity to avoid the sights, sounds, and evidence of other people within the inventory unit, and not opportunities for solitude in comparison to human habitation (USDI 2001 [H , Section 13(B)(3)(c)(1)(a), page 14]). The BLM states that "[t]he fact that nonwilderness activities or uses can be seen or heard from areas within the inventory area shall not be considered when analyzing an area's manageability as a WSA" (USDI 2001 [H , Section.2(B)(4), page 24]). The agency instructs its staff to: a. Avoid using lack of terrain variation or vegetation or size as disqualifying conditions for outstanding opportunities for solitude (USDI 2001 [H , Section.13(B)(3)(c)(2)]). Because it was not stated in the BLM s Initial Inventory, it must be assumed that because of the lack of topographic relief, the only characteristic stated in the Initial Inventory, the unit was dropped (USDI 1979). The BLM stated in the unit description that, the area has very little topographic relief other than a chain of hills in the northwest corner of the unit. The BLM cannot drop a unit from further study because the unit lacks one wilderness characteristic. It is the combination of these characteristics that creates a wilderness environment. b. Do not assume that simply because an area or portion of an area is flat and/or unvegetated, it automatically lacks an outstanding opportunity for 10

13 solitude (USDI 2001 [H , Section 13(B)(3)(c)(1)(b), page 14]). It seems that in their Initial Inventory, the BLM certainly did assume that because Cuerda de Leña Wash is mostly flat that it lacked in outstanding opportunity for solitude. c. Consideration must be given to the interrelationship between size, screening, configuration, and other factors that influence solitude (USDI 2001 [H , Section.13(B)(3)(c)(1)(b), page 14]). The BLM did not mention any of these factors in their explanation for dropping the unit. d. Consider factors or elements influencing solitude including size, natural screening, and the ability of the user to find a secluded spot (USDI 2001 [H , Section.13(B)(3)(c)(1)(c)], page 15). Again, the BLM did not consider these factors in the Initial Inventory. The historical review of the initial inventory process for the Cuerda de Leña Wash unit clearly shows that the BLM must reconsider this unit for an intensive inventory. This review provides a piece of the, New Information criterion as explained in the BLM H handbook Section.06 (E)(b). The BLM must consider many aspects of new information, including but not limited to: population expansion, Threatened and Endangered species, and changing recreational uses. In conclusion, the BLM must reconsider wilderness for the Cuerda de Leña Wash unit to evaluate the flaws that occurred in past inventories, as well as for the purposes of protecting valuable wildlands. Conclusion The Cuerda de Leña Wash unit meets all the requirements for Wilderness Study Area designation. The documentation provided here and in the general justifications section of this report supply the required new and supplemental information to make this proposal a valid recommendation in the planning process. The results of non-designation have already been seen in this area with the proliferation of new wildcat routes created by uncontrolled Off Road Vehicle users. The best management decision for this isolated and unique area is wilderness protection. 11

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16 Route Analysis and Photographic Documentation for the Cuerda de Len a Wash Unit Route #: 1 Photos: BM-1-21; BM-1-24; CL-1-1 Length:.27 miles Construction Type: Bladed long ago Campsites: 2 Vehicle Type: HC 4WD Erosion: 12 + Vegetation Present: bare soil > 50% of surface Other Impacts: Some one time cross country travel tracks Proposed Action: Open Notes: This is the northern boundary route for the Cuerda de Len a Wash unit. This route will remain open under this wilderness proposal and should be included in dispersed camping management plans in this area. BM-1-24: Average conditions on route 1, has erosion in wash crossing over 12 inches. Direction: SW BM-1-21: Junction with route 1 on east side Direction: SW Route #: 2 Photos: CL-1-2 Length:.34miles Construction Type: user created Campsites: 1 Vehicle Type: 2WD Erosion: ORV damage from numerous one-time cross-country travel tracks Vegetation Present: bare soil > 50% of surface Other Impacts: Trash from camping and target shooting Proposed Action: Open Notes: This route is on the original Quadrangle. The impacts and use make cherry stemming a good option for this route. This campsite should also be managed for dispersed camping. CL-1-1: Junction with Route 1 on west side Direction: E 14

17 CL-1-2: Campsite at end of route 2. Trash in picture. Direction: SE CL-1-3: Junction with route 5. Direction: S Route #: 3 Photos: CL-1-3; CL-1-4; CL-1-6 thru CL-1-11 Length: 3.75 miles Construction Type: user created Campsites: 0 Vehicle Type: 4WD Erosion: photo CL-1-7 shows 8 of soil loss. ORV and vehicular damage from numerous one time cross country travel tracks Vegetation Present: bare soil > 50% of surface with creosote growing in route until entering wash where vegetation growth increases dramatically and crowds route. Other Impacts: Trash: bicycle in photo CL-1-6, packed out. Proposed Action: Close Notes: This route is on the original Quadrangle. It receives no apparent use and has no grazing, mining, or camping related evidence/facilities. The use that has occurred has pushed this route further into Cuerda de Len a wash, where it fades and forks into numerous faint tracks making the route very difficult to follow. Users become confused and begin to travel cross-country to find the route creating an even more confusing web of cross-country vehicle tracks. Cuerda de Len a wash is the best xeri-riparian habitat for miles around and should be protected at all costs. This route also occurs in critical habitat for the endangered Sonoran Pronghorn, which are extremely sensitive to human disturbances. Closure of this route would protect not only the ecological wilderness characteristics, but opportunities for solitude as well. CL-1-4: Junction Route 4 Direction: S CL-1-6: Average conditions on route 3. abandoned bicycle trash (packed out). Direction: S 15

18 CL-1-7: Worst erosion, 8 deep. Direction: S CL-1-8: Average conditions on route 3, overgrown. Direction: N CL-1-10: End of route 3, disappears just past this point. Direction: S Route #: 4 Photos: CL-1-4; CL-1-5; and scenic/naturalness photos included in proposal text Length:.36 miles Construction Type: user created Campsites: 1 Vehicle Type: HC 4WD Erosion: stable Vegetation Present: bare soil > 50% of surface with creosote over 1 ½ ft tall in middle of route. Other Impacts: numerous one-time ORV crosscountry travel tracks leaving lasting impressions in desert pavement Proposed Action: close Notes: This is a route that begins to fade and starts to spider web as users get confused. This route sprawl will continue to intensify as this route is very difficult to follow because it has been created by users following cross country travel tracks. The beautiful desert pavement in this are is being degraded for years to come form this confusing route. Wilderness values outweigh the recreational value of these illegal routes. CL-1-9: Woodcutting on Route 3 16

19 CL-1-5: Average conditions on Route 4. Direction: W Route #: 5 Photos: CL-1-3; CL-1-12 thru CL-1-18 Length:.46 miles Construction Type: user created Campsites: 1 Vehicle Type: 2WD Erosion: ORV damage Vegetation Present: bare soil > 50% of surface with creosote over 3 ft tall in middle of route in some places. Other Impacts: Campsite trash, target shooting, and numerous one time ORV cross country travel tracks, as well as numerous donuts and parallel routes leaving lasting impressions. Proposed Action: close Notes: The route should be closed past the one heavily impacted campsite. The route has been severely impacted from ORV abuses. Pictures show three parallel routes in one-area as well as vehicle donuts. An OHV sign has been posted here, but no effort to close the area from further damage. This is a prime example of uncontrolled and irresponsible ORV us that has impacted this fragile desert system for decades to come. The actual route does fade out, but the initial tracks and impacts will require restoration. The proposed wilderness boundary has been adjusted to exclude the campsite, but it includes the heavily impacted ORV area to assist in easier management of the wilderness boundary and to take advantage of the restoration values of wilderness. CL-1-12: Large trashed campsite on route 5. Direction: SE CL-1-13: Part of route 5, reclaimed. Direction: SW OHV sign just past photo CL

20 CL-1-14: ORV destruction on route 5. Direction: N/A CL-1-17: Three parallel routes on route 5. Direction: NE CL-1-15: ORV Destruction on route 5. Direction: N/A CL-1-16: More ORV donuts on route 5. Direction: NE CL-1-18: Re-vegetation on route 5, no use evident. Direction: S Route #: 6 Photos: CL-1-11 Length: 1.28 miles Construction Type: user created Campsites: 0 Vehicle Type: N/A Erosion: stable Vegetation Present: bare soil > 50% of surface with creosote over 3 ½ ft tall in middle of route. Other Impacts: Proposed Action: close Notes: The route could not be found at its southern terminus shown on the map. At Photo point CL-1-11 it is well reclaimed with large creosote. No vehicle tracks or evidence of recent use is visible. The closure of this route would further enhance the wilderness characteristics as described in the evaluation of its connecter route #3. 18

21 CL-1-11: Evidence of nonuse on route #6. Direction: S CL-1-20: End route 7 at stock tank. Direction: N Route #: 7 Photos: CL-1-19; CL-1-20; CL-1-21 Length:.95 miles Construction Type: Bladed FLPMA Road Definition: Yes Campsites: 0 Vehicle Type: HC 2WD Erosion: stable Vegetation Present: bare soil > 50% of surface Other Impacts: Proposed Action: open Notes: This route accesses a stock tank that was full when I was there. There were ducks in the tank. I encountered to older couples here enjoying the spring day. The area of course is in very poor shape from livestock staying close to the tank. This route and the area will be cherry stemmed to prevent any conflicts with wilderness. Cl-1-19: Beginning route 7. Direction: SW 19 Cl-1-21: End route 7 at stock tank and corral Direction: S Route #: 8 Photos: CL-1-22; CL-1-23; CL-1-24 Length:.45 miles Construction Type: user created Campsites: 0 Vehicle Type: HC 4WD Erosion: photo CL-1-23 Vegetation Present: bare soil > 50% of surface Other Impacts: Proposed Action: close Notes: This is a redundant unnecessary route to the stock tank that was user created. It is experiencing erosion and vegetation growth on route. ORV tracks were present.

22 CL-1-22: Junction route 8. Direction: W Route #: 9 Photos: CL-1-25; CL-1-26; CL-1-27; CL-1-28 Length:.35 miles Construction Type: user created Campsites: 3 Vehicle Type: 2WD Erosion: ORV damage Vegetation Present: bare soil < 50% of Other Impacts: Live woodcutting, trash, and target shooting Proposed Action: open Notes: This route has numerous campsites along a wash with shade trees. It is well used, and was in use when I was there. It provides excellent camping opportunities before entering Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. This area should be managed for dispersed camping and for keeping vehicles out of the wash as well as from pushing the route further into the potential wilderness unit. It will be cherry stemmed to prevent conflicts with wilderness. CL-1-23: Average conditions on route 8 Direction: E CL-1-25: Junction of route 9 and Bates Well Road Direction: SE CL-1-24: Junction of route 8 and Bates Well Road Direction: S CL-1-26: Campsite and trash on route 9. Direction: W 20

23 CL-1-27: End route 9, campsite in use. Direction: SW Cl-1-29: Route 10, reclaimed. Direction: S CL-1-28: Off road travel on route 9 Direction: E Route #: 10 Photos: CL-1-29 Length:.4 miles on map Construction Type: reclaimed Campsites: 0 Vehicle Type: N/A Erosion: stable Vegetation Present: bare soil <50% of surface with creosote over 3 ½ ft tall in middle of route with grass. Other Impacts: N/A Proposed Action: close Notes: The route could not be found at its southern terminus shown on the map. A well reclaimed route that should be taken off of maps. Closure of this route will assist in protecting wilderness characteristics. 21 Route #: 11 Photos: CL-1-30 thru CL-1-41; CL-1-45 Length: 5.1 miles Construction Type: user created Campsites: 1 Vehicle Type: HC 4WD Erosion: 4 feet of soil lose exiting Cuerda de Len a wash CL-1-41 Vegetation Present: bare soil <50% of surface Other Impacts: Undocumented Immigrant trash is evident along this route, but not excessive. Some ORV use is occurring. Proposed Action: close Notes: Close this route to prevent more user created routes being created off of it. It is redundant. Organ Pipe NM has an administrative road that parallels on the other side of the fence that could be used by border patrol if necessary. This entire route borders Organ Pipe National Monument wilderness. Overall, this route receives very little use because it can only be used by well-equipped 4WD vehicles. A roost for at least five Great horned owls exists where this route crosses Cuerda de Len a wash. I also observed Kestrels, Red tailed hawks, and numerous other bird species and mammal tracks using this wash. Closure would further protect ecological wilderness characteristics. The parallel fence between the BLM and NPS lands in this area has low strung barbed wire for its bottom strand, which will inhibit endangered Sonoran pronghorn movement through this area. They do not jump fences, they go under. If they do move through here they will develop sores on their backs from squeezing under the barbed wire fences.

24 CL-1-30: Junction with Organ Pipe Cactus NM Direction: S CL-1-33: Average conditions on route 11. Direction: W CL-1-31: Begin route 11 Direction: E CL-1-34: Average conditions on route 11. Direction: E CL-1-32: Old drill hole on route 11 no use evident Direction: NW CL-1-40: Worst erosion on route 11 braided Direction: NE 22

25 CL-1-41: Worst erosion on route 11 exiting wash Direction: E CL-1-42: Junction with route 12 Direction: W Cl-1-45: Corral and tank at junction of routes 11 and 12, excluded from proposed wilderness. Direction: E Cl-1-43: End route 12. Direction: W Route #: 12 Photos: CL-1-42; CL-1-43; CL-1-44 Length:.5 miles Construction Type: user created Campsites: 0 Vehicle Type: 4WD Erosion: N/A Vegetation Present: primarily grass <25% bare soil Other Impacts: N/A Proposed Action: close Notes: This route looks as if it has seen 5-10 uses ever. It may have been created by UDIs. I found some empty water bottles at its end. It looks like a monkey see monkey do route. People think this is the route that goes north and it fades out leaving users looking for the rest of it driving in circles. The route serves no purpose. Closure would further protect wilderness characteristics in the area. 23 CL-1-44: Average conditions on route 12. Direction: NE

26 Route #: 13 Photos: CL-1-45 (see above); CL-1-46; CL-1-55 Length: 3.6 miles Construction Type: May have been bladed at one time, but no evidence exists currently. Campsites: 1+ Vehicle Type: 4WD Erosion: N/A Vegetation Present: bare soil > 50% of surface with some overgrown spots. Other Impacts: Some one time cross country travel impacts Proposed Action: open Notes: This route connects stock improvements and is used for some recreational access. Forms the eastern boundary of the Cuerda de Len a Wash unit. Route #: 14 Photos: CL-1-46 (see route 13); Cl-1-50; CL-1-51 Length:.93 miles Construction Type: User created Campsites: 0 Vehicle Type: 4WD Erosion: N/A Vegetation Present: bare soil > 50% of surface Other Impacts: Some one time cross country travel impacts Proposed Action: Close Notes: This route was user created to access a gate that only allows foot or equestrian traffic. It is unnecessary, as it does not provide additional access to any thing specific. CL-1-46: Junction of routes 13 and 14. Direction: W CL-1-50 Walk through gate on route 14. Direction: S CL-1-55: junction routes 16 and 13 Direction: S CL-1-51: Average conditions on route 14 Direction: W 24

27 Route #: 15 Photos: CL-1-47; Cl-1-48; CL-1-49 Length:.5 miles Construction Type: User created Campsites: 1 Vehicle Type: 4WD Erosion: N/A Vegetation Present: bare soil > 50% of surface Other Impacts: Some one time cross-country travel impacts and ORV use into the wash at the end of the route. Proposed Action: open Notes: This route was user created to access a cluster of range fence that comes together in this area. It is redundant with routes 16 and 17, but has campsites so it should be the one left open if any. CL-1-47: End route 15 campsite. Direction: W CL-1-49: Route 15 junction with 13 and 17 Direction: N Route #: 16 Photos: CL-1-54; Cl-1-55 (see route 13 photos) Length:.57 miles Construction Type: User created Campsites: 0 Vehicle Type: 4WD Erosion: N/A Vegetation Present: bare soil > 50% of surface Other Impacts: Proposed Action: Close Notes: This route was user created to access the same cluster of range fence in this area. It had access to the wash at one time and is now overgrown. It is redundant and should be closed. Route #15 provides adequate access. CL-1-48: Average conditions on route 15 Direction: SW 25 CL-1-54: End route 16 at wash, overgrown. Direction: W

28 Route #: 17 Photos: CL-1-49 (see route 15 photos) Length:.45 miles Construction Type: User created Campsites: 0 Vehicle Type: 4WD Erosion: N/A Vegetation Present: bare soil > 50% of surface Other Impacts: Proposed Action: Close Notes: This route was user created and follows a range fence its whole length to access the same cluster of range fence in this area. It is redundant and should be closed. Route #15 provides adequate access. Route #: 18 Photos: CL-1-57; Cl-1-59; CL-1-62; CL-1-68; CL-1-69 Length: 4 miles Construction Type: Bladed and maintained FLPMA Road Definition: Yes Campsites: Numerous Vehicle Type: 2WD Erosion: N/A Vegetation Present: bare soil > 50% of surface Other Impacts: Trash, one time cross-country tracks and ORV track proliferation Proposed Action: open Notes: This route forms the Northeast boundary for the Cuerda de Len a Wash unit, and the Southeast boundary for the Black Mountain unit. It is in good condition and is used regularly by recreationalists and ranchers. CL-1-59: Junction of routes 18 and 20. Direction: S CL-1-62: Junction of routes 18 and 21. Direction: SE CL-1-68: White spot in center of photo is people camping at end of route 23. Direction: SW CL-1-57: Junction of routes 18 and 19, average conditions. Direction: S 26

29 CL-1-69: Entrance to camping area at junction with routes 18 and 24. Direction: S Route #: 19 Photos: Cl-1-57 (see route 18 photos); CL-1-58 Length:.4 miles Construction Type: May have been bladed at one time, but not maintained. FLPMA Road Definition: No Campsites: 0 Vehicle Type: HC 2WD Erosion: N/A Vegetation Present: bare soil > 50% of surface Other Impacts: Proposed Action: Close to public use Notes: This route provides access to an AZ Game and Fish Guzzler/Water catchment. The route should be closed to public use and open to administrative use with a minimum tool/data requirements study as outlined in BLM s manual H appendix D and page 43. Route #: 20 Photos: CL-1-59 (see route 18 photos); CL-1-60; CL-1-61 Length: 1.22 miles Construction Type: User Created FLPMA Road Definition: No Campsites: 0 Vehicle Type: HC 4WD Erosion: N/A Vegetation Present: bare soil is between 25-50% of surface Other Impacts: N/A Proposed Action: Close Notes: This route was most likely created by the rancher for maintenance of the fence line that it runs along. It probably used to hook up with route #15 and 16, but is now overgrown. It should be closed as route #15 provides adequate access to the area for maintenance and roads are not necessary for fence line maintenance. CL-1-60: End route 20 Direction: SE CL-1-58: Guzzler at end of route 19. CL-1-61: Average conditions along fence line. Direction: N 27

30 Route #: 21 Photos: CL-1-62 (see route 18 photos); CL-1-63; CL-1-64 Length: 2.8 miles Construction Type: User Created FLPMA Road Definition: No Campsites: 0 Vehicle Type: HC 2WD Erosion: N/A Vegetation Present: bare soil is >50% of surface/desert pavement Other Impacts: N/A Proposed Action: Close Notes: This route does not appear to have any purpose. It follows the high ground on desert pavement through a section of state land and on into the Cuerda de Len a Wash unit where it fades away and ORV tracks continue. Since this route appears to have no purpose it should be closed to protect wilderness values. This will help protect the wash area from ORV abuse. Route #: 22 Photos: CL-1-65; CL-1-66 Length: less than 1/10 of a mile Construction Type: User Created FLPMA Road Definition: No Campsites: 0 Vehicle Type: HC 2WD Erosion: N/A Vegetation Present: Mostly Desert Pavement Other Impacts: N/A Proposed Action: Close Notes: This is a very small route off of route 21. CL-1-65: Junction Routes 21 and 22. Direction: SW CL-1-63: End route 21 Direction: S CL-1-64: Average conditions as route 21 fades. Direction: S CL-1-66: Average conditions on 22 route fades after 150 ft. Direction: S 28

31 Route #: 23 Photos: CL-1-67; CL-1-68 Length:.18 miles Construction Type: old prospect road FLPMA Road Definition: No Campsites: 1+ Vehicle Type: HC 2WD Erosion: N/A Vegetation Present: bare soil is >50% of surface Other Impacts: N/A Proposed Action: Open Notes: This route has large campsite at its end. This one should be managed for primitive dispersed camping along with the other campsites in the northern part of this unit. removed. The tracks shown in CL-1-71 must not be allowed to proliferate, as this area will provide excellent opportunities for users to camp and access the wilderness. Aggressive signing will be necessary to protect the wilderness characteristics here. CL-1-70: Burned out camper on route 24. CL-1-67: Junction of routes 18 and 23 Direction: S Route #: 24 Photos: CL-1-69 (see route 18 photos); CL-1-70; CL-1-71 Length:.13 miles Construction Type: old prospect road expanded for camping by users FLPMA Road Definition: No Campsites: 3+ Vehicle Type: 2WD Erosion: N/A Vegetation Present: bare soil is >50% of surface/desert Pavement Other Impacts: N/A Proposed Action: Open Notes: This route has three or four large campsites on it with a roundabout. This one should be managed for primitive dispersed camping along with the other campsites in the northern part of this unit. Picture CL-1-70 shows a burned out camper that should be 29 CL-1-71: Route 24 ends but cross-country travel continues across desert pavement. Direction: W